I appreciate your candor, specifically regarding the food quality, entertainment and service levels at RC. Perhaps it's that us old-timers have been spoiled by what RC was before the pandemic.Despite the reality RC has slipped in all categories, they are still better than most of the other cruise lines, and why we keep coming back. We are Diamond level travelers so we receive the 4 alcoholic beverages per person per day. This is an unparalleled benefit, unless you go all-inclusive, but you do pay a hefty premium vs. RC. We do miss the complimentary lobster and premium steaks on the menu and loathe the curry loaded dishes you get on most cruises, but we have yet to find a better value, even paying for extras and premium meals.
I've cruised the Caribbean with Anthem of the Seas and an older Royal Caribbean ship for a cruise in Southeast Asia. And yes, 5 years ago, I was very impressed with the Anthem. Ken, if you plan to take an Alaska cruise, take a look at Princess Cruises, they seem to have special privileges in Alaskan waters. And do take the Princess Land Tour in Alaska, as Princess runs 5 wilderness lodges around Alaska and the 7-night Princess Land Tour would take you to stay at least at 3-4 of those lodges. Believe me, the Alaskan wilderness is absolutely stunning -- as much as we also enjoyed the 7-night cruise back to Vancouver on the gorgeous Royal Princess. My wife and I and four friends will be doing a 10-day Eastern Mediterranean cruise on the yet-to-finish Sun Princess in March 2024. So, I very much appreciate your advice on whether or not to buy the Internet package -- that was really a word from the wise!
Thank you. We have indeed booked with Princess cruise for next year’s Alaska, which I am so excited about. We are indeed booked on Royal Princess too! Indeed for Mediterranean cruises, when you will be at ports on my days I don’t feel it’s necessary to have internet package. For our Princess cruise, we’ve got the Plus package at half price, and it includes gratuities, beverage and internet, so it’s a no brainer to get that.
Gutted to hear that sky pad has been discontinued as we were really looking forward to trying it next year. Agree about food options and the little changes that show cost cutting
I haven’t been on royal in several year but have a transatlantic booked on board the odyssey next April. I hadn’t heard of cancelling zone zero or the single lobster tail. Enjoyed your review thank you! Johnny rockets is advertised as only on Oasis class ships. It’ll be on utopia that comes out next year the next/last oasis class.
Thanks for your comments. Johnny Rockets is on other Quantum Class ships like Anthem. Hence why it was disappointing. Enjoy your transatlantic cruise next year!
Say Ken! We’re hearing from rumor control that Royal Caribbean has stopped serving the lobster tail on Royal Night in the Main Dining..now one has to pay for that entree! My goodness! All in one year!😮😢
Hey, thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, how things have changed from our Anthem of the Seas cruise just a year ago, when the food was good, and lobster tails were served and not rationed. We'll see if things improve when we sail on Icon of the Seas!
Which month did you travel and was the seas rough as concerned about motion sickness. Thanks. Would months of May and September be ok for motion sickness concerns? Thanks
It was June and the weather was very nice. The sea was calm throughout. I think May and September are both shoulder seasons, so it depends on your luck in terms of weather and sea conditions.
Is there nowhere for kids to swim indoors if the weather isn't hot enough to swim outdoors? We booked Greek island for October and now I am debating if I made a mistake 😢
Not really unfortunately. Check out my new full ship walk-through video to see the facilities available : czcams.com/video/SdZaKMQyvI0/video.html Although I think October should still be OK temperature in the Mediterranean.
I appreciate your candor, specifically regarding the food quality, entertainment and service levels at RC. Perhaps it's that us old-timers have been spoiled by what RC was before the pandemic.Despite the reality RC has slipped in all categories, they are still better than most of the other cruise lines, and why we keep coming back. We are Diamond level travelers so we receive the 4 alcoholic beverages per person per day. This is an unparalleled benefit, unless you go all-inclusive, but you do pay a hefty premium vs. RC. We do miss the complimentary lobster and premium steaks on the menu and loathe the curry loaded dishes you get on most cruises, but we have yet to find a better value, even paying for extras and premium meals.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with Royal Caribbean. It's great to hear your perspective.
I've cruised the Caribbean with Anthem of the Seas and an older Royal Caribbean ship for a cruise in Southeast Asia. And yes, 5 years ago, I was very impressed with the Anthem. Ken, if you plan to take an Alaska cruise, take a look at Princess Cruises, they seem to have special privileges in Alaskan waters. And do take the Princess Land Tour in Alaska, as Princess runs 5 wilderness lodges around Alaska and the 7-night Princess Land Tour would take you to stay at least at 3-4 of those lodges. Believe me, the Alaskan wilderness is absolutely stunning -- as much as we also enjoyed the 7-night cruise back to Vancouver on the gorgeous Royal Princess. My wife and I and four friends will be doing a 10-day Eastern Mediterranean cruise on the yet-to-finish Sun Princess in March 2024. So, I very much appreciate your advice on whether or not to buy the Internet package -- that was really a word from the wise!
Thank you. We have indeed booked with Princess cruise for next year’s Alaska, which I am so excited about. We are indeed booked on Royal Princess too!
Indeed for Mediterranean cruises, when you will be at ports on my days I don’t feel it’s necessary to have internet package. For our Princess cruise, we’ve got the Plus package at half price, and it includes gratuities, beverage and internet, so it’s a no brainer to get that.
@@KenTravels360 The Princess Plus package looks reasonable. We’ll definitely look into that.
Alaska is beautiful omg the best one I been on
Thanks for your honesty!
Thank you. As much as I like cruising with Royal Caribbean, I don't like seeing these cost cutting changes while they are making record profits.
Great review!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Gutted to hear that sky pad has been discontinued as we were really looking forward to trying it next year. Agree about food options and the little changes that show cost cutting
Yes, the sad thing is, they are still probably the best after all the cost cutting, and we will just keep cruising with them.
I haven’t been on royal in several year but have a transatlantic booked on board the odyssey next April. I hadn’t heard of cancelling zone zero or the single lobster tail. Enjoyed your review thank you!
Johnny rockets is advertised as only on Oasis class ships. It’ll be on utopia that comes out next year the next/last oasis class.
Thanks for your comments. Johnny Rockets is on other Quantum Class ships like Anthem. Hence why it was disappointing. Enjoy your transatlantic cruise next year!
We are on the transatlantic in April next year, see you on board
I rarely order steak on a cruise ship. So much good beef in Midwest US. I have been disappointed to many times, so I get seafood.
Say Ken! We’re hearing from rumor control that Royal Caribbean has stopped serving the lobster tail on Royal Night in the Main Dining..now one has to pay for that entree! My goodness! All in one year!😮😢
Hey, thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, how things have changed from our Anthem of the Seas cruise just a year ago, when the food was good, and lobster tails were served and not rationed. We'll see if things improve when we sail on Icon of the Seas!
From everything I have read and seen, you can still get 1 lobster tail included
@@jonkrispeterson6678 They did not put that on the menu.
Bummer. I’ve been on Symphony twice and Freedom twice . While not bad , I did notice the difference going from Symphony back to Freedom. 🤔
Thanks for your comment. Totally agree. It's difficult to go back to an older ship.
Which month did you travel and was the seas rough as concerned about motion sickness. Thanks. Would months of May and September be ok for motion sickness concerns? Thanks
It was June and the weather was very nice. The sea was calm throughout. I think May and September are both shoulder seasons, so it depends on your luck in terms of weather and sea conditions.
Dying to see if you do Icon of the Seas! We only go with Royal Caribbean. :)
Thank you! We are going on Icon in 3 weeks time and I am so excited!
Is there nowhere for kids to swim indoors if the weather isn't hot enough to swim outdoors? We booked Greek island for October and now I am debating if I made a mistake 😢
Not really unfortunately. Check out my new full ship walk-through video to see the facilities available : czcams.com/video/SdZaKMQyvI0/video.html
Although I think October should still be OK temperature in the Mediterranean.
El polo fresh is good
El Loco Fresh serves good Mexican indeed.
I DON'T DRINK THAT MUCH NO DRINK PACKAGE
Drinks package are only good value if you can drink enough.
Food quality is bad. You wasn’t too negative seemed fair to me.
Thanks for dropping a comment!
Nice review. Sounded disappointing.
Thanks, overall I enjoyed the cruise, but I think it could have been better. All the cost-cutting measures really didn't help.